The political tectonic plates in Mount Kenya East have shifted dramatically as Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi officially throws his weight behind Lenny Kivuti for the Embu gubernatorial race in 2027. This endorsement signals a major realignment, pitting the veteran politician directly against the incumbent UDA leadership.

In a bold declaration that is set to ripple through the corridors of power from Embu to Nairobi, the former Attorney General has made it clear that the future of Embu County lies with the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) leader. Speaking at a politically charged event, Muturi’s support for Kivuti is not just a personal preference but a calculated strategic move to consolidate the region's leadership under the "Bus" party banner, challenging the dominance of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the area.

The Battle for Embu's Soul

Justin Muturi, a seasoned political operative and former Speaker of the National Assembly, knows the stakes. His endorsement comes at a time when Embu politics are increasingly fractious. Kivuti, who narrowly lost the 2022 race to the current Governor Cecily Mbarire, has been relentless in his grassroots mobilization. By aligning with Kivuti, Muturi is effectively drawing a line in the sand, suggesting a dissatisfaction with the current county trajectory and a desire to see a regime change that aligns more closely with the DEP's vision.

The "Bus" party, which has been gaining traction as an alternative voice in the resource-rich region, now has its most significant booster. Muturi’s clout as a Cabinet Secretary adds a layer of federal legitimacy to Kivuti’s bid, complicating matters for Governor Mbarire who must now defend her seat against a unified and heavily backed opposition. "We are looking at a two-horse race that has started three years early," noted a local political analyst. "Muturi does not bet on losing horses."

• Strategic Realignment: Muturi’s move indicates a potential fracturing of the Kenya Kwanza coalition's hold on the mountain, with local parties like DEP asserting their independence.
• Kivuti’s Resurgence: After a hiatus, Lenny Kivuti is back with renewed vigor, using the "Bus" party convention to accuse the current administration of financial mismanagement and nepotism.
• The Mbarire Factor: The endorsement places immense pressure on Governor Cecily Mbarire, who must now fend off attacks not just from the opposition, but from influential figures within the national government structure.

A High-Stakes Gamble

This endorsement is not without its risks. For Muturi, openly backing a candidate against a key UDA governor could cause friction within the Cabinet. However, it speaks to his confidence in Kivuti’s grassroots appeal and perhaps a reading of the shifting ground in Mt. Kenya politics. The 2027 general election is still distant, but in Embu, the drums of war are already beating.

As Lenny Kivuti accepts this heavyweight backing, the message to the electorate is clear: the "Bus" is revving its engines, and it intends to run over the status quo. The race for Embu is no longer just local; it has become a proxy war for the future leadership direction of the entire region.